A new bill proposed by State Representative Daniel Pae (R-Lawton) would void costs of medical screenings for Oklahoma firefighters.
House Bill 3573 was named “Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act.” The yearly screenings covered in the bill are for lung, prostate, testicular, skin, colon and breast cancers.
The bill not only covers all permanent firefighters but umbrellas over volunteer firefighters as well.
“The Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act, devoid of deductibles and co-payments, is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding those who risk their lives and health tirelessly protecting our communities,” Pae said. “By confronting cancer head-on and encouraging early detection, we can give all of Oklahoma’s firefighters their best chance for a healthy and resilient future.”
Under the bill, firefighters would not pay annual deductibles, co-payments or coinsurance limits for the testings outlined in the draft.
Due to the carcinogenic exposures presented during fires, firefighters are more likely to develop cancer, according to the World Health Organization.